Newcomer Alfie has been cast as their 18-year-old son Bert Middleton, who will play an important role in the coming season, which will be set in the 1920s.

Peter Moffat, who created and wrote the show, said: "I'm thrilled at the prospect of bringing to the screen the plans I've got for all these characters (and some new ones) as the life of the village moves away from the horror of war and into the roaring twenties.

"Boom and bust, the Charleston and the Black Bottom, motor cars, extreme politics, fish and chips, jazz, bananas, cinema, the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the middle classes - the outside world comes to the village, bringing with it the big drama that change always generates.

"I'm very grateful for the support the BBC have given this project right from the start. No other broadcaster I can think of would have the confidence to do it."

BBC controller Danny Cohen, who gave the green light for the second series, added: "The Village is drama of the highest quality. Brilliantly written, beautifully produced, and performed with huge talent and imagination. I'm really proud to have it on the BBC and delighted it is coming back for a second series."

The second season of The Village is expected to start production in 2014.

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